Helenka, Queen of Outer Space

I'm a very tired piggy, having traipsed up to the northern wilds (okay, the blind centre), enjoyed our Christmas party/meeting, stuffed myself with egg salad sandwiches and lots of fruit, once again rejecting baked desserts. There were leftovers so I even got to take a couple of sandwiches home. The weather was a miracle: end of November, a high of 63-ish, with dazzling sunshine. When my minivan dropped me off, I just sat outside for ten minutes because I wasn't going to pass up the opportunity to breathe and just be one with the world ... the better part of the world, anyway. So, I got groans at the jokes, but I'd warned them, lol. Anyway, I'll be back (famous last words) for the next party!

After the meeting, I had a long wait for my minivan and took full advantage by sitting outside again. Even now my shoulders are radiating contentment from the remembered heat of the sun. But I was tired when I got in. Was lethargic in the evening while watching the news and game shows. I only began to perk up a little while ago, just when it's time for bed.

Sent church-John an invite for our next museum-type tour, a special visit to the Science Centre. I hope he'll join me as he appears to be getting a fan-club from our social convenor aka firecracker! Anyway, now I'm looking forward to my book club meeting tomorrow. But, first, bed please.

Hmm. Why does "they" sound suspiciously like the leader of my new blind group? Well, it was fun, even though I left without having any fruit or popsicles (popsicles!!!) for dessert ... and then sat on a hard bench waiting for my ride. It was THIRTY-TWO minutes late (add an extra 19 minutes for my being there early). Not only that, the driver had to drop off another client TWO highways away. Oh, yes, we just love /sarcasm driving on the highway. But I'm now home, safe and sound ... and hot again. Thank goodness there's a fresh bottle of Perrier in the fridge.

So, IIRC, there were only 7 of us there, but then the host's place isn't very big (though he has two bedrooms) and there were two guide dogs (but he led his into the bedroom). We had tortilla and corn chips (with guacamole, quesadilla and salsa), three types of pizza (meat lovers, veggie lovers with extra spinach, and chicken pollo) along with 'tater salad and chicken caesar salad. I had a Coke to wash my food down. Really wish I could have had dessert. Sigh. Wonderful range of conversations around me. It turns out the guy who lives fairly close to me was a graduate of the same private boys' school as my first lover. Small world, eh?

I'd enjoyed being able to sleep in until 9:22 and had a fairly lazy day, watching last night's Castle before jumping in the shower. And, then, promptly got so hot again I had to put one of my chilled neck wraps on to lower my body temperature. Sigh.

Anyway, I need to cool off again and then get some s-l-e-e-p. That was hilarious, to hear people spelling certain words, so that the dogs wouldn't understand! Right now, all I want is some painkillers to go directly to my knees, having had to haul myself up into the front seat of the mini-van was so not fun.

Nope, it's not an internet thingy. And I'm not stuttering (though I really feel like faintly bleating "What? Where? Who?" It's short for WHIRLWIND WEEKEND WRECK. Which - if you hadn't gathered - is what I am today.

Somehow I survived the weekend, but at a high physical cost. Of course I had to go to sleep very late (early Saturday morning). As I was paranoid about sleeping through the alarm, I set TWO. At least I did wake up with plenty of time to look through clothes. Mind you, opening the closet door was eeksome. I finally decided to wear the long black gown I wore last year with a rectangular black sequinned shawl slung diagonally between hip and opposite shoulder. I attached two smaller hairpieces to a ponytail at my right ear and added my black fox hat. Along with my pretty ruby bee earrings, I was all set. We'll just ignore that I had heavy duty socks, leggings and boots on underneath, as well as my Irish cape. Because it was c-c-cold out and extremely windy.

My driver was already waiting for me at 11:25 and I arrived at Brian's very early. Oh, I'm so excited to be there. He did a wee bit of discreet decorating, so that made me very happy. There was a fairly bushy tree on the mantle with a musical Enterprise ornament, also a white fibre optic St. Nicholas (definitely NOT Santa). Also a scaled back garland and beads.

We started off by recording our opening greeting and, then, after redressing the set, our parting wishes for a happy new year while drinking bubbly. And, then, we got down to the business of filming what we did over the hours, including eating a yummy brunch, then baking and decorating cookies, then Brian prepping for dinner, then having three fondues, plus drinking more bubbly that really got us giddy. We were so very stuffed, but we'd had a fun time and actually got to review the raw footage because of his new mini-Mac. But, alas, 8:00 was approaching so I had to leave, along with a goody bag of leftover cheese fondue, some of his baking, etc. Only problem is that my ride didn't show up. I wait until about 8:37 when he finally came. What. A. Relief. However, when I got home, I zonked out inadvertently (from the bubbly and tiredness) only to wake up a couple of hours later, hot, achy, and completely unable to fall asleep again. Waaaaaaah. So I got out of bed and decided to explore my old files on my HD. Oh, look, a 300-page story. Yeah, I read it and then deleted.

After that, it was already past 6 a.m. and time for me to start getting ready for church. Oh, saints and angels deliver me, as I was in no condition for it. But, somehow, I pulled myself together, added lots of layers to my black/gold pullover with citrine jewellery, and headed out. I arrived really early so just enjoyed chatting with lots of people. I even managed to sing a few hymns without croaking. And I discussed Christmas Eve with Church-John, so I may have someone to sit (and sing) with. After church, I was deliriously happy my cab was on time (even though the city was hosting the Canadian football final) and got me home quickly. Even better that I networked with one of the other passengers who told me I should be able to use my cellphone gift card at a special site online. Oh, yay.

I treated myself to the extra entrée I've been saving and snoozed for a bit. But I'm still a wreck. I shudder to think of how Brian's surviving, though - to his credit - he has his relative youth and health to keep him going. Lucky dog! However, I did at least manage to fulfill my self-imposed obligation to review The Kindred Part 1 for sga_squee where I posted a few shortish comments. I actually came away with a deeper understanding (though certainly NO appreciation) of the episode. Still, yay, for getting it done. Now I think I'll look for something to read that will lull me to a bliss-filled and needed sleeeeeeeep.

Hold on to your horses. I'm about to enter into weird territory.

After getting home from church, the most important thing (after having a bowl of cereal and milk) was a nap, because of the still stupid heat. It was 2:31. I'd originally thought I'd set the alarm for 5, but then decided I wanted the nearly 3 hours. So 5:30 it was.

Closer to the time when the alarm would ring, my brain began to bring me slowly to consciousness. But-but-but my dream was really good. Let's pretend it's current day for entertainment, but I'd gone back to reclaim my age and body from 1990. It wasn't my most active time of life (that was more like the 70s and 80s, especially when I was going to the film festival and attending parties with the *stars*) but close enough. That's also when Brian and I met.

So, here we were, at some big Hollywood function (it could have been a charity event). I'd already been giggling away with Heather Morris whose hair was cut really short and what was left had been gelled into an adorable blonde mini-mohawk. I know, I know, it makes no sense especially after she'd banned hair gel from Promasaurus.

Then it seemed the thing was over (there was more to the dream, but it was already dissipating into wisps a few minutes after I woke ::sighs::) and Brian and I were descending in a glass-sided elevator. In the elevator was Chris Colfer. Of course, me being the old fearless me, I began to talk to him. I believe he was prominent in my mind (and not just because I happen to love his singing – and show makeup) because of an article about how stars are coming out these days. The picture of him showed his hair with golden blond highlights and piled quite high. So I talked to him about his hair. He seemed a bit uncomfortable. When the elevator stopped, I asked if we'd arrived at the mezzanine level. Suddenly, everybody left and the elevator turned into a sightseeing bus with very tall windows, parked in an underground garage. The only people left in it were Brian and I and a rather depressed-looking red-haired woman sitting on the left side, with her head pressed to the window. And that's when the alarm went off!

So what's the point of all this? Well, I should always schedule three-hour naps and the heat is good for my imagination!
[If you haven't figured out why, I chose the icon because it's Chris Colfer In. A. Bed.]

Huh? Since when is three MY number? It's always been either four or sixteen. But, by sheer coincidence, there were many examples of threes since early morning.

I posted three examples of flash mobs. When? Oh ... at 3:03 a.m. Seriously, this was not intentional. I climbed into bed around 3:11 but couldn't fall asleep until past 4, by my estimate. I wasn't thrilled to wake up after only three hours. ::sighs:: I'd dreamt about a political discussion with a woman named Mariska (whose name sounds very close to "triska").

It was another scorcher of a day (90F), so I tried to distract myself from the pain, not to mention swollen ankles the size of whaleboats! I took one extra-strength dose of ibuprophen, hoping to reduce the swelling and settled down to watch – what else but – three episodes of Glee S2.

I was so very tired due to inadequate sleep, but resisted taking a nap. After I finished with the dishes, I was so relieved to limp into the shower. And I cut my bangs. I still can't believe how young they make me look. ::pets cute hair:: I've just taken another (or is it the third?) dose of painkillers. I really hope I'll sleep tonight. I'm trying to stay cool, so the only lights on are from the Christmas tree and piggy garland. I'm wearing my red halter top nightie, so it's less restrictive, too. Anyway, I think I'm ready to hit my personal land'o'dreams.

Uh-oh. Could the blonde have overdone eating today? Just a titch, just a tad? Indubitably.

There was a slight lack of sleep. After going to bed still slightly buzzed at 1, I woke up before 7. I was not amused. ::sighs:: But then I had my customary hearty brekkie of Bangers'n'Mash which made me feel MUCH better.

I received even more birthday greetings, including an e-mail from my childhood Polish friend who'd kept reminding herself that she had to send me a message yesterday. So, naturally, she woke up this morning realizing that she'd ... uh ... forgotten. Considering that I am her elder (by one month and two days), oops for her memory loss. In any case, I guess I'll be acknowledging all of the lovely wishes ... tomorrow? When I have a spare moment and some ... energy? I know, I seem SO determined. NOT.

I was glad to have the whole day ahead of me, so I didn't have to hurry. I decided to wear my vivid flowery top over a black satin nightie. I added two delicate leis, encircling my attached ponytail. I also decided to go all out and painted my fingernails with clear glitter polish. Whee!

My ride was expected at 4:40 (as Brian had requested I arrive at 5:00). Uh ... my driver was 58 minutes LATE! So not of the good. Luckily, I'd phoned Brian to keep him apprised, so he was able to make sure the food was keeping well.

I was just so relieved to arrive around 5:45. Yay! Brian greeted me outside of his door and escorted me into ... into a garden/aquarium. He had new plants that he'd arranged around the dining table (sekrit: on top of his black barstools). There was a fan providing a wee bit of movement of the leaves. So ... what's with the aquarium? Many years ago, I hosted him by pretending my place was an experimental space station with a focus on underwater life. I used the VHS Aquarium in a Box. It later came out on DVD. Well … this version was the HD one. There were two separate aquarium sequences (as well as a bonus one).

Considering the fact that it had begun to rain when I arrived, it was a very good thing that we were indoors (and pretending to be in an outdoor garden). We started out with dwinkies. Brian had poured rum, pineapple juice, mixed strawberry/banana/other fruit juice AND 7Up, arriving at something that tasted like a Pina Colada. Yay!

( Nomarific dinner experience )Then I was presented with a pink flowered gift bag. Oh-oh. There was a – can you guess – a … new … pig inside. Hey, Brian! I thought you were cutting me off from any new acquisitions. Well, I guess he felt he just had to give me this one. It was the pig from Toy Story and he picked it up when he was at Disney. It's not available in Canada, so that makes it special. As I'd brought Giggly Ballerina Piggly with me ('cuz she was a prezzie from him too), she got acquainted with her new Uncle Hip Hip Hippo Pig (in the gift bag).

Alas, it was getting close to the time for me to be picked up (8:35). So we gathered up all of my goodies and headed downstairs. After a goodnight hug, Brian went back upstairs to collapse. I was picked up fairly quickly (what a relief). Almost as soon as I got in the minivan, it began to rain again and it was very hard rain. I was just so happy to be in a dry enclosure. And in a few minutes under a familiar roof.

So, part TWO of my birthday was a terrific success. On to part THREE and more cake tomorrow. ::pats tummy, trying to soothe it::

::groans:: HEY, UNIVERSE! Yes, I'm yelling at YOU!!! What's the big idea of waking me up at 3:45 a.m. On. My. Birthday????? Of course, there also had to be the added ... enhancements to the experience with being too hot (!?!), having aching fingers and unable to breathe. ::sighs in extreme exasperation:: Okay, as I'm up (with the tree and garland lights on), I may as well talk about my Thursday.

So ... it's still too early to go to bed with just a cotton sheet. I found that out the hard way by waking up to stiff, freezing claws. ::sighs:: And it appears that we're going to get rain and cool temps for the next few days. It's raining right now.

So, because of the cold indoors and out, there was NO way I was getting in the shower. Instead I got my hands into the kitchen sink and did a pile of dishes. Ahhhh. Now that was better.

I had many hours before my noon pickup. I wanted to show off my pedicure, so wore my sandals. I also wore my slinky two piece leopard print outfit but put a black turtleneck sweater underneath the top. I didn't bother doing my hair and just stuck my black beret over it. Then I got carried away with reading a sexy series. Aw, darn. Is it time to go already?

I arrived at the centre around 12:30. People were very slow to show up which is usually not the case. I spotted one of our new leaders who told me she wasn't offended by the e-mail I'd sent. Whew! The other leader ended up sitting at my table, so we got a chance to talk some more. They're fully aware of the new challenges. But enough of worries. We were there to celebrate the stepping down of our 92-year old leader who'd been volunteering since 1995. One of the super-volunteers was there to present her with a plaque (provided by the Lions' Club). And she got two bouquets of flowers. Well, for the first time in her long life, she was speechless! It's too bad the speaker from the Library cancelled, so instead we had the man who'd visited me a couple of times for Independent Living Skills to speak about some new developments. When he came in, he walked over to me to say I was looking fabulous. ::grins:: We had lovely treats for food (egg sandwich fingers, cucumber/cream cheese on baguette and salmon on fancy buns.

After the meeting, I had to rush out to get: money from the bank, stuff from the drugstore and greengrocer's. I picked up only a dozen apricots and a ripe avocado. Then I was trying to hurry back, but my right foot was screaming at me. I was passed by the new leaders who told me my ride was already there. Oops! I was thrilled to be home around 4:40 and to get out of my sandals and into slippers. [Note to self: go get your foot x-rayed next week!]

I returned to reading the series and that's how I spent the rest of my evening until my brain drain forced me to go to bed early. Now I'm back to yawning. Oh, decisions. Do I stay up or do I try to get back to sleep again? Hmmm.

Ack. Bliss and agony, both on the same day. So not fair. But, let's start with the bliss. I didn't wake up until 8:45. Woo-hoo. Just delightful.

Mind you, that didn't last long, as I had a headache for most of the day. Now I normally have a headache centred over the left eye, but this time it was a skull ache covering the top of the head. Almost bad enough to make me cry. Though I'm wondering WHY I didn't take pain killers? I guess I forgot. I just wondered if it could have been a result of drastic changes in barometric pressure. Definitely the half-day of summer was long gone. Well, at least last night's Castle distracted me a bit (though I wasn't really keen on the character played by Adam Baldwin).

I forgot to mention that it was a very happy day at SLOG yesterday. Eli Sanders, an Associate Editor at The Stranger won a Pulitzer for a thoughtful series he wrote last year on a hideously vicious crime (just take my word for it) and trial. The staff apparently celebrated by going out and buying 3 bottles of $7.99 fake bubbly!

Today, though, I was a cheeky little sprite, correcting Dan Savage's advice on Savage Love. ::giggles:: Yes, I am having lots of fun!

Anyway, I really should be getting to sleep (didn't have a nap), as I'll have to wake up with the piggies cows (lol) to book my extra rides for Thursday. Nighty-night, all.

Well, Sunday did begin somewhat normally, though my usual fave brekkie (Steak'n'mushroom pie) felt unexpectedly leaden as it went down the gullet. ::sighs:: I ended up wearing one of my faves, the ivory black slashed top with opal jewellery. The ride into town was just weird. It had been foggy since yesterday and hadn't let up yet.

As I was on duty, I showed up in the chapel for our customary pre-service prayer. Eek. My substitute team leader asked me to do it. But-but-but, I'm not ready. Oh, well, I managed to pull something together. Brent was still continuing his body & spirit sermon series, so I cobbled together a communion blessing from it. And I had some wonderful experiences serving (not that each time isn't wonderful).

One thing of note: Since Davey Wavey's appearance at church last Sunday, the YouTube video he made had received 18K views. As he'd mentioned the webcast site, last Sunday's service was then watched by 1,800 new viewers! Simply wow!! And yay!!!

I sat outside after church waiting for my minivan. Even though it was sunny, it wasn't warm (and I think that's what led ultimately to my evening of doom). I was just so happy to get home and relax (well, after I completed yet another of my Friday agenda items). An early nap was had. When I woke up, that's when I was hit with the spine spasms of doom. WTF??? Of course, now that I've had the chance to think about it, it's not only sitting outside. I believe that riding in minivans of different specs is hazardous to my health. Some of them have headrests waaaaay above my head. In others, my feet don't reach the floor. In the really atrocious ones, I get both things at the same time. So it's no wonder that I get bent into entertaining (NOT) shapes.

In any case, it's a good thing I chose to take two ibuprophen and crawl back into bed rather than suffer some more. Blonde may be blonde but even she is not impervious to common sense ... once in a while!

So ... what's brought this on? Well, yesterday at church, after I'd finished my stint serving Communion, one of the ushers, Rob (who'd been in charge of the aisle on my side), waited for me at the table where we set down our stuff, then offered me his arm and escorted me (aka the blind old lady, lol) back to my pew. Yes, ALL the way to the first full pew (behind the front pew). That was so gallant of him, and completely unnecessary. But still cute.

And that got me to thinking about a what-if situation.

Since joining the church 21 years ago, I used to be quite involved with several social groups. I put on (mostly) New Year's Eve dances and at least one Halloween dance. But then the social groups dried up (for weird reasons). However, I believe it was a couple of years later, there was an announcement of a very special New Year's Masquerade Ball that was also going to be the wedding of Rob and Mary. At the time, I didn't know either of them and decided not to attend. And to this day I regret that decision. I heard stories that their costumes were simply magical. And, boy, what a way to celebrate your anniversary every year.

They are the sweetest couple who now just happen to live only a couple miles away from me. Brian and I bumped into them at the café next to the park around the corner one Christmas lighting ceremony a few years ago.

Anyway, that's my what-if that never was. Yes, I know that our lives are filled with thousands of what-if situations. At least this one merely leaves me feeling wistful. If there's any lesson to be learned, it's to do that one unusual thing, even if it seems too strange at the time. Considering how much I loved to wear costumes, I should have known better!